From one nurse to another, I applaud Charge Nurse Vennessa Thompson. She is everything an exceptional nurse and nurse leader should be. As an APRN with 40 years in healthcare, I have worked in healthcare teams, some in leadership positions, and I was simply blown away by the nursing care I received at Emory Decatur Orthopedic Unit 2200. The first time I met Ms. Thompson, she introduced herself and wrote her name and the LPN's name with their mobile numbers on the whiteboard. She positioned the bed remote and call light near me and told me to call her or the LPN anytime I needed something.

She was friendly, professional, and set the tone for my hospital stay. I received a knee replacement which is typically an outpatient procedure. However, I was having dizziness and lightheadedness when I first got to the floor after surgery. Ms. Thompson assessed my symptoms and took my blood pressure, noting a significant drop in both systolic and diastolic readings. She immediately contacted the PA to obtain orders for an IV bolus and oral pain meds instead of IV morphine. IV fluids help with dehydration and IV morphine is a known contributor to orthostatic hypotension. I was impressed with Ms. Thompson's quick assessment and initiative. This was yet another good indicator that I would be receiving high-quality nursing care during my stay. Ms. Thompson was proactive in getting me mobile despite my orthostatic hypotension. She reminded me to sit on the edge of the bed with assistance a few minutes every hour, to flex and point my feet hourly to prevent clots, and eventually got me up to walk to the bathroom. What I remember of that first bathroom visit was Ms. Thompson saying, "OK, stay with me, look me in the eyes", and a yank of the emergency call light. She was fast in getting help to get me back into bed. Then she explained to me what had happened and talked about the goal of getting me to move safely.

Prior to discharge, I was to walk 200 feet and be able to go up a set of stairs with a physical therapist. She was a great educator. Ms. Thompson interacted well with the staff. She and the night charge nurse discussed how to manage my orthostatic hypotension, and a plan was made and implemented. The next day I worked with PT and successfully ambulated and walked up stairs. I was able to be discharged the same day because of this coordinated planning. I experienced 2200 as a healing environment. I had the distinct feeling that even when I did not see Ms. Thompson directly, the staff were all working together to meet the needs of the patient. The entire staff seemed to be on the same page. This unit was a well oiled machine, which does not happen by chance, but with great communication and effective leadership. How fortunate for me and every other patient on this floor! I think Ms. Thompson's drive is to help and serve others. She was always attentive with me as if I were her only patient. She listened well, was kind yet firm, instructive, encouraging, wicked smart, and empathetic. It is with great thanks and honor that I nominate Vennessa Thompson, RN for the DAISY Award.